As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Therapy Assistant PTA in the United States is $66,595 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Physical Therapy Assistant PTA's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Physical Therapy Assistant PTA's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Physical Therapy Assistant PTA's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Physical ... Level Physical Therapy Assistant PTA | $66,342 |
| Physical ... Level Physical Therapy Assistant PTA | $37,789 |
| Physical ... Level Physical Therapy Assistant PTA | $109,180 |
| Physical ... Level Physical Therapy Assistant PTA | $128,865 |
| Physical ... Level Physical Therapy Assistant PTA | $154,615 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Physical Therapy Assistant PTAs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.14% |
| Rehabilitation Services | 2.4% |
| Geriatrics | 1.5% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Management Skills
|
$89,237 |
34%
|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$87,239 |
31%
|
|
Environmental Safety
|
$85,907 |
29%
|
|
Case Management
|
$80,580 |
21%
|
|
Infection Control
|
$71,922 |
8%
|
|
Rehabilitation Services
|
$71,256 |
7%
|
For Physical Therapy Assistant PTA roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Physical Therapy Assistant PTA positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Physical Therapy Assistant PTA as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $79,914 | $38.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physical Therapy Assistant PTAs enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Physical Therapy Assistant PTA with a Associate's Degree is between $63,706 and $67,129).
Physical Therapy Assistant PTA Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 4.9% |
| Associates | 69.5% |
| Bachelors | 21.5% |
| Masters | 3.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
Understanding how a Physical Therapy Assistant PTA's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Physical Therapy Assistant PTA can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $67,506 in 2023 to around $64,829 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physical Therapy Assistant PTA salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $67,506 |
| 2024 | $65,811 |
| 2025 | $64,829 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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